The accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. (“Axalta,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us”), at December 31, 2018 and 2017 and the related consolidated statements of operations, consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), consolidated statements of cash flows and consolidated statements of changes in shareholders' equity for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 included herein have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and are audited. In the opinion of management, these statements include all adjustments, consisting only of normal, recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the financial position of Axalta.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, we deconsolidated our Venezuelan subsidiary from our consolidated financial statements and began accounting for our investment in our 100% owned Venezuelan subsidiary using the cost method of accounting. See Note 21 for additional information.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Axalta and its subsidiaries, and entities in which a controlling interest is maintained. For those consolidated subsidiaries in which the Company’s ownership is less than 100%, the outside shareholders’ interests are shown as noncontrolling interests. Investments in companies in which Axalta, directly or indirectly, owns 20% to 50% of the voting stock and has the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies of the investee are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. As a result, Axalta’s share of the earnings or losses of such equity affiliates is included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and our share of these companies’ stockholders’ equity is included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Certain of our joint ventures are accounted for on a one-month lag basis, the effect of which is not material. We eliminated all intercompany accounts and transactions in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of sales and expenses during the period. The estimates and assumptions include, but are not limited to, receivable and inventory valuations, fixed asset valuations, valuations of goodwill and identifiable intangible assets, including analysis of impairment, valuations of long-term employee benefit obligations, income taxes, environmental matters, litigation, stock-based compensation, restructuring and allocations of costs. Our estimates are based on historical experience, facts and circumstances available at the time and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

We account for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. This method requires the recording of acquired assets, including separately identifiable intangible assets and assumed liabilities at their acquisition date fair values. The method records any excess purchase price over the fair value of acquired net assets as goodwill. Included in the determination of the purchase price is the fair value of contingent consideration, if applicable, based on the terms and applicable targets described within the acquisition agreements (e.g., projected revenues or EBITDA). Subsequent to the acquisition date, the fair value of the liability, if determined to be payable in cash, is revalued at each balance sheet date with adjustments recorded within earnings.

The determination of the fair value of assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests involves assessments of factors such as the expected future cash flows associated with individual assets and liabilities and appropriate discount rates at the closing date of the acquisition. When necessary, we consult with external advisors to help determine fair value. For non-observable market values determined using Level 3 assumptions, we determine fair value using acceptable valuation principles, including most commonly the excess earnings method for customer relationships, relief from royalty method for technology and trademarks, cost method for inventory and a combination of cost and market methods for property, plant and equipment, as applicable.

Cash equivalents represent highly liquid investments considered readily convertible to known amounts of cash within three months or less from time of purchase. They are carried at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. Cash balances may exceed government insured limits in certain jurisdictions.

GAAP defines a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Level 2—Significant other observable inputs (e.g., quoted prices for similar items in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar items in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable such as interest rate and yield curves, and market-corroborated inputs); and

The Company from time to time utilizes derivatives to manage exposures to currency exchange rates and interest rate risk. The fair values of all derivatives are recognized as assets or liabilities at the balance sheet date. Changes in the fair value of these instruments are reported in income or AOCI, depending on the use of the derivative and whether it qualifies for hedge accounting treatment and is designated as such.

Gains and losses on derivatives qualifying and designated as fair value hedging instruments, as well as the offsetting losses and gains on the hedged items, are reported in income in the same accounting period. Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are marked-to-market at the end of each accounting period with the results included in income.

Receivables are carried at amounts that approximate fair value. Receivables are recognized net of an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable. The allowance for doubtful accounts receivable reflects the best estimate of losses inherent in the accounts receivable portfolio determined on the basis of historical experience, specific allowances for known troubled accounts and other available evidence. Accounts receivable are written down or off when a portion or all of such account receivable is determined to be uncollectible.

Stores and supplies are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value; cost is generally determined by the weighted average cost method. Inventories deemed to have costs greater than their respective market values are reduced to net realizable value with a loss recorded in income in the period recognized.

Property, plant and equipment acquired in an acquisition are recorded at fair value as of the acquisition date and are depreciated over the estimated useful life using the straight-line method. Subsequent additions to property, plant and equipment, including the fair value of any asset retirement obligations upon initial recognition of the liability, are recorded at cost and are depreciated over the estimated useful life using the straight-line method. See Note 14 for a range of estimated useful lives used for each property, plant and equipment class.

Software included in property, plant and equipment represents the costs of software developed or obtained for internal use. Software costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Upgrades and enhancements are capitalized if they result in added functionality, which enables the software to perform tasks it was previously incapable of performing. Software maintenance and training costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair values of underlying net assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment on an annual basis as of October 1^st; however, these tests are performed more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired. The fair value methodology is based on prices of similar assets or other valuation methodologies including discounted cash flow techniques.

When testing goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, we first have an option to assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not (more than 50%) that an impairment exists. Such qualitative factors may include the following: macroeconomic conditions; industry and market considerations; cost factors; overall financial performance; and other relevant entity-specific events. If based on this qualitative assessment we determine that an impairment is more likely than not, or if we elect not to perform a qualitative assessment, we would be required to perform a quantitative impairment test.

In 2018, we tested goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment by performing a qualitative analysis and determined that it was not more likely than not that the fair values of our reporting units and assets was less than the respective carrying amounts. If based on this qualitative assessment, we determined that an impairment was more likely than not, we would have conducted the simplified goodwill impairment test in accordance with ASU 2017-04. Under the simplified test, we compare the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, no impairment exists and no further testing is required. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.

Definite-lived intangible assets, such as technology, trademarks, customer relationships and non-compete agreements are amortized over their estimated useful lives, generally for periods ranging from 2 to 25 years. The reasonableness of the useful lives of these assets is regularly evaluated. Once these assets are fully amortized, they are removed from the balance sheet. We evaluate these assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets might not be recoverable.

The carrying value of long-lived assets to be held and used is evaluated when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. The carrying value of a long-lived asset is considered impaired when the total projected undiscounted cash flows from the asset is less than its carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the long-lived asset. The fair value methodology used is an estimate of fair market value and is based on prices of similar assets or other valuation methodologies including present value techniques. Long-lived assets to be disposed of other than by sale are classified as held for use until their disposal. Long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale are classified as held for sale and are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair market value less cost to sell. Depreciation is discontinued for long-lived assets classified as held for sale.

Research and development costs incurred in the normal course of business consist primarily of employee-related costs and are expensed as incurred. In process research and development projects acquired in a business combination are recorded as intangible assets at their fair value as of the acquisition date, using Level 3 assumptions. Subsequent costs related to acquired in process research and development projects are expensed as incurred. In process research and development intangible assets are considered indefinite-lived until the abandonment or completion of the associated research and development efforts. These indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment consistent with the impairment testing performed on other indefinite-lived intangible assets discussed above. Upon completion of the research and development process, the carrying value of acquired in process research and development projects is reclassified as a finite-lived asset and is amortized over its useful life.

Accruals for environmental matters are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. Accrued environmental liabilities are not discounted. Claims for recovery from third parties, if any, are reflected separately as an asset. We record recoveries at the earlier of when the gain is probable and reasonably estimable or realized. For the years ending December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, we have not recognized income associated with recoveries from third parties.

Costs related to environmental remediation are charged to expense in the period incurred. Other environmental costs are also charged to expense in the period incurred, unless they increase the value of the property or reduce or prevent contamination from future operations, in which case, they are capitalized and depreciated.

We accrue for liabilities related to litigation matters when available information indicates that the liability is probable, and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Legal costs such as outside counsel fees and expenses are charged to expense in the period incurred.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets are also recognized for tax losses, interest and tax credit carryforwards. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates applicable in the years in which they are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax law is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

Where we do not intend to indefinitely reinvest earnings of our subsidiaries, we provide for income taxes and withholding taxes, where applicable, on unremitted earnings. We do not provide for income taxes on unremitted earnings of our subsidiaries that are intended to be indefinitely reinvested.

We recognize the benefit of an income tax position only if it is "more likely than not" that the tax position will be sustained. The tax benefits recognized are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized. Additionally, we recognize interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of provision for income taxes. The current portion of unrecognized tax benefits is included in "Other accrued liabilities" and the long-term portion is included in "Other liabilities" in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

The reporting currency is the U.S. Dollar. In most cases, our non-U.S. based subsidiaries use their local currency as the functional currency for their respective business operations. Assets and liabilities of these operations are translated into U.S. Dollars at end-of-period exchange rates; income and expenses are translated using the average exchange rates for the reporting period. Resulting cumulative translation adjustments are recorded as a component of shareholders’ equity in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets in AOCI.

Defined benefit plans specify an amount of pension benefit that an employee will receive upon retirement, usually dependent on factors such as age, years of service and compensation. The obligation in respect of defined benefit plans is calculated separately for each plan by estimating the amount of the future benefits that employees earn in return for their service in the current and prior periods. These benefits are then discounted to determine the present value of the obligations and are then adjusted for the impact of any unamortized prior service costs. The discount rate used is based upon market indicators in the region (generally, the yield on bonds that are denominated in the currency in which the benefits will be paid) and that have maturity dates approximating the terms of the obligations. The calculations are performed by qualified actuaries using the projected unit credit method. The obligation of defined benefit plans recorded on our consolidated balance sheets is net of the current fair value of assets. See Note 7 for further information.

Our stock-based compensation is comprised of Axalta stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, performance stock awards and performance share units and are measured at fair value on the grant date or date of modification, as applicable. We recognize compensation expense on a graded-vesting attribution basis over the requisite service period, inclusive of impacts of any current period modifications of previously granted awards. Compensation expense is recorded net of forfeitures, which we have elected to record in the period they occur.

Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Axalta’s common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Axalta’s common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period increased by the number of additional shares that would have been outstanding related to potentially dilutive securities; anti-dilutive securities are excluded from the calculation. These potentially dilutive securities are calculated under the treasury stock method and consist of stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, performance stock awards and performance share units.

On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” and all related amendments comprising ASC 606 (the “new revenue standard”), electing to use the modified retrospective method. We also elected to apply certain practical expedients, including the application of the modified retrospective method to open contracts at December 31, 2017. Comparative information has not been recast and continues to be reported under historical U.S. GAAP in effect to those applicable periods. The following table summarizes the cumulative effect made to our consolidated balance sheet as a result of the adoption to this standard.



	December 31, 2017			Adjustments due to ASU 2014-09			January 1, 2018
Assets
Inventories	$	608.6		$	(22.7	)	$	585.9
Prepaid expenses and other current assets ⁽¹⁾	63.9			41.7			105.6
Other assets ⁽²⁾	428.6			(1.9		)	426.7

Liabilities
Other accrued liabilities ⁽³⁾	$	489.6		$	1.9		$	491.5
Deferred income taxes	152.9			3.0			155.9

Equity
Retained earnings (Accumulated deficit)	$	(21.4	)	$	12.1		$	(9.3	)
Noncontrolling interests	131.7			0.1			131.8

The impacts to the balance sheet as of the adoption date represent the acceleration of revenue for certain arrangements, primarily within our light vehicle end-market, for which we determined our performance obligation has been satisfied. Specifically, we concluded that the transfer of control to the customer, as defined under the new revenue standard, occurs at a date prior to consumption. Additionally, certain costs historically reported in selling, general and administrative expenses under historical U.S. GAAP related to on-site technical support services that are not considered material in the context of our contracts with certain customers are now reported within cost of goods sold on the consolidated statements of operations, as they represent costs incurred in satisfaction of performance obligations. See Note 2 for further discussion.

On January 1, 2018 we retrospectively adopted ASU 2017-07,"Compensation—Retirement Benefits," which requires that an employer report the service cost component of net periodic pension costs in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. It also requires the other components of net periodic pension costs to be presented in the statement of operations separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations. Adoption resulted in a reclassification on the consolidated statements of operations of a benefit of $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, from income from operations to other expense, net.

On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2016-01, "Financial Instruments - Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities," which requires equity investments in unconsolidated entities, excluding those accounted for using the equity method of accounting, to be remeasured at exit price fair value, with changes recorded in the statement of operations. This standard was adopted using the modified retrospective application resulting in a cumulative adjustment to retained earnings of $0.8 million at January 1, 2018. See Note 20 for more information.



ASU		Effective Date
2017-12	Derivatives and Hedging	January 1, 2018
2017-09	Compensation—Stock Compensation	January 1, 2018
2017-04	Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment	January 1, 2018
2017-01	Clarifying the Definition of a Business	January 1, 2018
2016-15	Statement of Cash Flows	January 1, 2018

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases," which, together with amendments comprising ASC 842, requires lessees to identify arrangements that should be accounted for as leases and generally recognize, for operating and finance leases with terms exceeding twelve months, a right-of-use asset (or "ROU") and lease liability on the balance sheet. In addition to this main provision, this standard included a number of additional changes to lease accounting. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted prior to this date. A modified retrospective transition approach is required, applying the new standard to all leases existing at the date of initial application. An entity may choose to use either the adoption date or the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements as its date of initial application. We have elected to adopt the new standard on January 1, 2019 and use the effective date as our date of initial application. As a result, historical financial information will not be updated, and the disclosures required under the new standard will not be provided as of and for periods before January 1, 2019.

The new standard provides a number of optional practical expedients in transition. We expect to elect the package of practical expedients, which permits us not to reassess under the new standard our prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. We also expect to elect the practical expedient pertaining to land easements which permits entities to forgo the evaluation of existing land easement arrangements in transition to determine if they contain a lease. We do not expect to elect the use-of-hindsight practical expedient. The new standard also provides practical expedients for an entity’s ongoing accounting. We currently expect to elect the short-term lease recognition exemption for all leases that qualify, meaning we will not recognize ROU assets or lease liabilities, and this includes not recognizing ROU assets or lease liabilities for existing short-term leases (leases with a term of less than 12 months from lease commencement) of those assets in transition. We also currently expect to elect the practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components for all asset classes.